Nikki Blue Sues Phoenix Mercury for Discrimination
The former interim coach of the Phoenix Mercury, Nikki Blue, has filed a lawsuit against the organization, alleging unequal treatment based on race and gender, as well as pay inequality and retaliation for reporting these practices. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court in Arizona, details the accusations of Blue, who is Black. She was hired in 2022 as an assistant coach and promoted to interim coach in June 2023, following the dismissal of Vanessa Nygaard mid-season. Blue had a 7-21 record in her interim role. After the season, Blue was not retained. Instead, the Mercury hired Nate Tibbetts, assistant to the Orlando Magic, who is white. The lawsuit alleges that Blue received a salary of $250,000 in his interim position, less than the $375,000 that Nygaard earned. In addition, Tibbetts is reported to earn more than $1 million per season. Blue also claims that the Mercury organization set her up for failure, making decisions about the roster in 2023 that made the team uncompetitive.One of Blue’s lawyers is Sheree Wright, who has filed other lawsuits against the Phoenix Suns and the Mercury in recent seasons. Suns and Mercury Senior Vice President of Communications Stacey Mitch issued a statement in response to the lawsuit. Mitch stated that the lawsuit lacks merit and that Blue was considered for the head coach position, but was not selected due to her performance as interim coach and her limited professional coaching experience.Despite her exemplary record and professionalism, Ms. Blue was marginalized, looked down upon, and denied the opportunity to lead. This lawsuit is not just about one woman’s career, but about the widespread institutional disrespect towards Black women in sports leadership.
Mesidor PLLC, co-counsel in the case
